Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London. 

supplement. 

p. 298. “(Houghton/LG1863; Knox.IFR; Barrett-Hamilton/LGI1912) A three storey five bay breakfront Georgian house, with a triple window in the centre of the middle storey. C19 projecting porch. The side elevation, which is longer than the front, has a two storey centre with very high windows.”

Kilmannock House, County Wexford courtesy Sherry Fitzgerald

Kilmannock House On 82.5 Acres, Campile, Co. Wexford, Y34T271

Sold: €600,000Asking: AMV: €1,200,000

14 Bed5 Bath

Kilmannock House is a truly magnificent Georgian style residence offering a five bay, three storey over basement with Doric columns with a cement coating while still retaining its raised quoins. Dating back to 1735 on 82.5 acres, the property, which offers 14 bedrooms and very generous reception space also allows for an array of outbuildings and sheds.

Kilmannock House, which is positioned in South West Wexford, is near vibrant Campile Village and offers 82.5 acres in one block. The property itself will require upgrading, however it offers huge opportunities from several vantage points.

The Lands and out buildings: 82.5 acres of which c7acres is set out in woodland with the remainder in grass or tillage use.

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/15703912/kilmannock-house-kilmannock-co-wexford

Detached five-bay (three-bay deep) three-storey over basement country house, built 1780, on T-shaped plan centred on single-bay single-storey flat-roofed projecting porch to ground floor; single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height lean-to central return (west). Hipped slate roof on a quadrangular plan centred on lean-to slate roof (west), clay ridge tiles, paired granite ashlar central chimney stacks on granite ashlar chamfered bases having stringcourses below capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on timber eaves boards on rosette-detailed timber consoles with cast-iron downpipes. Roughcast coursed or snecked rubble stone walls on cut-granite chamfered cushion course on rendered, ruled and lined plinth with rusticated cut-granite quoins to corners. Segmental-headed central door opening in tripartite arrangement approached by flight of six cut-granite steps, doorcase with three quarter engaged Doric colonettes on plinths supporting ogee-detailed cornice on blind frieze on architrave, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled double doors having overlight with fixed-pane sidelights. Square-headed window opening in tripartite arrangement (first floor) with cut-granite sill, monolithic mullions, and rendered surround framing two-over-two timber sash window with blind side panels. Square-headed window opening in tripartite arrangement (top floor) with cut-granite sill, monolithic mullions, and rendered surround framing four-over-eight timber sash window having two-over-four sidelights. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and rendered surrounds framing one-over-one (ground floor), two-over-two (first floor) or three-over-six (top floor) timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, Ionic columnar screen (west), and plasterwork cornice to ceiling; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters. Set in landscaped grounds.

Appraisal

A country house erected for Henry Thomas Houghton (d. 1798) representing an important component of the later eighteenth-century domestic built heritage of south County Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one succeeding an earlier house (1735) annotated as “Kilmanick [of] Houghton Esquire” by Taylor and Skinner (1778 pl. 151), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking the meandering Campile River with the medieval Dunbrody Abbey as a picturesque eye-catcher in the near distance [SMR WX039-03001-]; the symmetrical frontage centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase demonstrating good quality workmanship; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression; and the decorative timber work embellishing the roof: meanwhile, aspects of the composition clearly illustrate the “improvement” of the country house following its sale by George Powell Houghton (1816-63) through the Encumbered Estates Court (1862). Having been well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, including some shimmering glass in hornless sash frames: meanwhile, a screened hall; contemporary joinery; Classical-style chimneypieces; and decorative plasterwork enrichments, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, nearby outbuildings (—-); a walled garden (see 15703913); and a gate lodge (1879) attributed to Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910) of Dublin (Craig and Garner 1975, 62), all continue to contribute positively to the setting of an estate having subsequent connections with the Barrett-Hamilton family including Captain Samuel Barrett-Hamilton (1838-1906) ‘late of Kilmannock House Arthurstown County [Wexford]’ (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1907, 15) and Major Gerald Edwin Hamilton Barrett-Hamilton (1871-1914) ‘late of Kilmanock [sic] Arthurstown County [Wexford] who died on South Georgia South America’ (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1914, 19); and Major John Barnwell DSO (1885-1976).

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/15703914/kilmannock-house-kilmannock-wexford

Gateway, built 1879, on a symmetrical plan comprising pair of cut-granite monolithic piers having shallow pyramidal capping supporting spear head-detailed cast-iron double gates with cut-granite monolithic outer piers having shallow pyramidal capping supporting spear head-detailed cast-iron railings. Road fronted at entrance to grounds of Kilmannock House.

Appraisal

A gateway forming part of a self-contained group alongside an adjacent gate lodge attributed to Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910) of Dublin (Craig and Garner 1975, 62) with the resulting ensemble making a pleasing visual statement in a sylvan street scene at the entrance on to the grounds of the Kilmannock House estate. NOTE: An armorial plaque carries the intertwined monogram (“SB”) of Captain Samuel Barrett-Hamilton JP DL (1838-1906).

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/15703913/kilmannock-house-kilmannock-co-wexford

Walled garden, extant 1840, on a square plan with creeper- or ivy-covered coursed rubble stone boundary wall to perimeter having overgrown coping centred on red brick Running bond piers having pyramidal capping; red brick Running bond surface finish to courtyard elevations. Now disused. Set in grounds shared with Kilmannock House.

Appraisal

A walled garden contributing positively to the setting of the Kilmannock House estate.

https://scoilmhuirecampile.com/?page_id=63

Kilmannock House was built in 1780 by Henry Thomas Haughton. Other occupiers were David Hewitson and M.W Knox. Capt. Samuel Barrett-Hamilton lived here from 1860 until 1921.

The ‘Barrett ‘ family coat of arms can be seen on the gable end of Clancy’s house at the entrance to the house. A self -portrait of Charlotte Barrett-Hamilton, who was a daughter of the landlord, can be seen inside. She is the ‘lady in blue’. Coursing was a very popular pastime with Barrett-Hamilton and a fine coursing ground was found here.

Hare Coursing and hunting were very popular in our parish. Kilmannock was one of the main coursing places in Ireland. The last meeting took place in 1827. Coursing also took place in Campile from 1930-1933. Bill Power from Ballinamona used sleep in a tent looking after the hares. The field was called Grennan’s Hare Field.

The following is taken from ‘Bassett’s Directory of County Wexford’ Published in 1885.

‘The Kilmannock Coursing Club holds two meetings a year. The first meeting takes place in April and the second one in October. Captain Samuel Barrett is President and Laurence Murphy of Ballykerogue is Secretary and Treasurer. There are 25 members.

The Captain takes great interest in coursing, but does not engage in it with his own dogs. The coursing ground is about 400 acres in extent and of its size is considered to be one of the best in Ireland. It takes in the estate of Captain Barrett’.

Barrett Hamilton Crest

Charlotte Barrett Hamilton Self-Portrait

In 1921 the estate, of up to 800 acres, was divided into five farms of 150 acres and two small farms of 25 acres. Major John Barnwell bought Kilmannock House and 150 acres. His father was a wheelwright in Co.Offaly. John had a distinguished army career in the Great War 1914-18.

He joined the army at Crinkle Barracks in Birr. In 1911 he was posted to India. When World War 1 started in 1914 he was sent back to Crinkle Barracks to train volunteers. He fought with the Leinster Regiment in the brutal campaign of Gallipoli and other parts of Eastern Europe. He was in the Machine Gun Corps and won the Military Cross medal in 1918. and the DSO (Distinguished Service Order). He met with Lawrence of Arabia in the Middle East. After the war John returned to Crinkle Barracks and was in charge of the garrison there from 1919 until 1922.

The barracks was burned by the I.R.A in 1922 and John’s regiment was disbanded. His son Desmond, who was sergeant in the Enniskillen Dragoons, was killed in Tunisia in 1942 during World War 2.

Major John died in 1976 at 91 years and his son Brian and wife Elizabeth, who reared a family of eight children, took over. Brian passed away in 1998 and his son Patrick and Edel took over the house.

Major Barnwell

Des Barnwell

The Late Major John Barnwell

Kilmannock is a grand three storey house with a basement.  The second and third storeys have a tripartite window in the centre.

The fine porch was added later. The drawing room has a lovely Carrera marble fireplace and beautiful mouldings on the ceiling. The pitch pine stairs stands out also.

In the reception room can be seen the Belfast stove which burned from October to April and heated the whole house.

In all there are 28 apartments and 14 bedrooms in Kilmannock House. The basement was the servants quarters and they had a separate stairs. Each room had its own bell to ring for service. In the basement, the wine cellar, fine open fireplace, bells for room service and the ‘dumb waiter’ can be seen.

This waiter was a lift for carrying meals to the upstairs rooms.

Belfast Stove

Dumb Waiter

A secret tunnel can also be seen here which was probably used for hiding valuables. A water wheel was used to pump water from a well to a large tank on the roof.

The Barnwell family are to be thanked for the restoration work carried out on this magnificent house as its upkeep is costly and they make excellent hosts for their guesthouse!

The Leinster Regiment banner is a fine piece of tapestry which can be seen in the house

AMV €975,000 

Kilmannock House On 82.5 Acres,Campile,New Ross,Co. Wexford,Y34 T271 

14 beds 5baths 

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AND ONLINE ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST AT 3PM, 2022 IN OUR OFFICE AT WESTGATE, WEXFORD (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SOLD) Kilmannock House is a truly magnificent Georgian style residence offering a five bay, three storey over basement with Doric columns with a cement coating while still retaining its raised quoins. Dating back to 1735 on 82.5 acres, the property, which offers 14 bedrooms and very generous reception space also allows for an array of outbuildings and sheds. Kilmannock House, which is positioned in South West Wexford, is near vibrant Campile Village and offers 82.5 acres in one block. The property itself will require upgrading, however it offers huge opportunities from several vantage points. The Lands and out buildings: 82.5 acres of which c7acres is set out in woodland with the remainder in grass or tillage use. 

Accommodation 

MAIN HOUSE Entrance Porch 3.0m x 4.75m. With beautifully tiled flooring and ornate mouldings Grand Reception Hall 5.0m x 10.20m. With original wood flooring, ornate mouldings. Spacious with columns and a timber staircase making an effective back drop Drawing Room 8.50m x 9.50m. Offering great space and light while there are splendid ornate mouldings and beautifully crafted white Italian marble fireplace Dining Room 6.0m x 9.65m. With a classical essence, it is accessed from the main reception hall and features splendid decorative mouldings, original wood flooring and a beautiful cast iron fireplace Sitting Room 4.80m x 6.50m. With a south facing area, this room offers splendid mouldings and wood flooring Kitchen 3.90m x 4.7m. With modern waist and eye level fitted units, tiled Utility off 2.0m x 8.0m. Fully plumbed for facilities required Boiler 4.0m x 7.0m. Incorporating wc, whb and office Laundry 2.15m x 5.0m. Study 3.4m x 5.0m. GARDEN FLOOR/BASEMENT Entrance Hall 1.70m x 6.7m. Original flagstones Kitchen 5.20m x 6.40m. Scullery 2.60m x 6.0m. Servants Bedroom 2.70m x 6.0m. Hall 3.0m x 12.5m. Linen Room 4.85m x 7.0m. Wine Cellar 2.20m x 5.20m. Pantry 3.0m x 5.0m. Dairy 3.0m x 4.20m. Black Hole Room 2.50m x 4.4m. MAIN HOUSE FIRST FLOOR Landing 2.0m x 6.15m + 1.50m x 3.0m. Featuring a grand sweeping curved staircase leading from the main entrance/reception hall to the premium suites of the house. Ornate mouldings are the spectacle as you walk up to the first floor Bedroom One 2.80m x 5.20m. With spectacular views of the surrounding countryside featuring a marble fireplace with a cast iron inset Bedroom Two 5.90m x 6.20m. With original wood flooring, marble fireplace, ornate coving and imposing views Dressing Room 4.80m x 6.20m. With marble fireplace and cast ion inset Bedroom Three 5.65m x 5.90m. With a most attractive cast iron fireplace with a tiled inset, original flooring and decorative mouldings Bathroom 2.55m x 4.80m. With wc, whb and large cast iron bath Bedroom Four 6.0m x 6.80m. Original wood flooring, scenic views of countryside, marble fireplace GUEST HOUSE FIRST FLOOR Main Hall 1.20m x 12.0m. With oak wood antique flooring Bedroom One 3.80m x 4.0m. With an attractive marble fireplace with cast iron inset, wood flooring, fitted wardrobe, tv point and ornate moulding En-Suite 1.10m x 2.9m. With wc, whb, shower, fully tiled Bedroom Two 3.85m x 4.20m. With wood flooring, tv point, wardrobe and ornate coving En-Suite 1.50m x 2.90m. With wc, whb, shower, fully tiled Bedroom Three 2.85m x 4.80m. With wood flooring, tv point, ornate coving and fitted wardrobes Ensuite 1.50m x 2.9m. With wc, whb, shower, fully tiled Bedroom Four With wood flooring, tv point, ornate moulding and fitted wardrobes En-Suite 1.0m x 2.80m. With wc, whb, shower, fully tiled SECOND FLOOR RETURN Landing 2.3om x 3.70m. Toilet 1.40m x 2.0m. SECOND FLOOR Bedroom One 5.35m x 5.87m. Bedroom Two 3.80m x 3.50m. Bedroom Three 5.50m x 6.80m. Bedroom Four 4.90m x 6.80m. Bedroom Five 6.20m x 8.80m. With cast iron fireplace Bedroom Six 2.75m x 5.40m. Landing 3.0m x 14.0m. Attic Room 5.0m x 6.10m. With access to main roof 

Features 

Within easy access of some of the finest Blud flag beaches of the South coast of Ireland. Campile village offering shops, pubs, school, church Sporting Facilities such as golf, fishing, equestrian centres, horseracing, GAA, soccer, tennis, rugby and hockey clubs. OFCH, Septic tank sewage ESB, internet access 

BER Details 

BER: Exempt BER No: Performance Indicator: 

Negotiator Details 

John Radford 

Viewing Information 

Strictly by appointment with Sherry FitzGerald New Ross on 051 426161